Reloading your own .308 Winchester ammunition can be a rewarding and cost-effective hobby, but understanding the upfront and ongoing expenses is crucial. This guide breaks down the costs, helping you determine if reloading is right for you.
Initial Investment: Setting Up Your Reloading Bench
Before you start saving money, you'll need to invest in the necessary equipment. The initial cost is the biggest hurdle, but it's a one-time expense that pays off over time with consistent reloading.
Essential Equipment and Approximate Costs:
- Reloading Press: Prices range from $100 to $500+, depending on the type (single-stage, progressive). A single-stage press is ideal for beginners, offering more control, while progressive presses significantly increase speed for high-volume reloaders.
- Dies: A three-die set (sizing, expanding, and seating) typically costs between $50 and $100 per caliber. You'll need a separate set for each cartridge you intend to reload.
- Powder Measure: Accurate powder measurement is critical for safety and consistency. Expect to pay between $50 and $150. Electronic powder measures offer greater precision but come at a higher price.
- Case Prep Tools: These tools, including a case trimmer, deburring tool, and possibly a case tumbler, can cost between $50 and $150.
- Scale: An accurate scale is essential for measuring powder charges. Digital scales are recommended and cost between $50 and $150.
- Bullet Puller: Useful for removing bullets from cases, which is helpful for mistakes or when repurposing components. This will cost you between $20 and $50.
Total Estimated Initial Investment: $320 - $950+ (This is a broad range, and costs can vary greatly depending on the specific equipment chosen and brand).
Ongoing Costs: Consumables and Components
Once your reloading bench is set up, ongoing costs primarily include the components needed for each round:
- Brass Cases: These can be purchased new or collected from fired cartridges. New brass costs approximately $0.50 - $1.50 per case, depending on the brand and quality. Collecting and cleaning fired brass is a cost-effective alternative, but requires time and effort.
- Bullets: Bullet costs vary widely based on weight, type (jacketed, FMJ, hollow point, etc.), and manufacturer. Expect to pay between $0.25 and $1.00+ per bullet.
- Gunpowder: Powder costs fluctuate depending on the type and availability. A pound of powder can yield many rounds, but the price per pound can range from $20 to $50+.
- Primers: Primers are relatively inexpensive, typically costing between $0.10 and $0.30 per primer.
Calculating the Cost Per Round
The cost per round will vary dramatically depending on your choices in components and the frequency of reloading. Let’s take a hypothetical example:
- Brass: $0.75/case (reused)
- Bullet: $0.50/bullet
- Powder: $0.15/charge (based on the price per pound and the yield)
- Primer: $0.20/primer
Total cost per round: $1.60
This is just an example, and your costs may be higher or lower depending on the components you choose and where you buy them. This should still be significantly less than purchasing factory ammunition.
Factors Affecting the Overall Cost
Several factors can influence the total cost of reloading .308 Winchester:
- Volume: Reloading in large batches reduces the per-round cost.
- Component Sourcing: Finding deals on components can significantly impact the overall cost.
- Equipment Choices: Higher-end equipment might be more expensive upfront but may offer greater efficiency and accuracy in the long run.
- Waste: Improper reloading techniques or equipment malfunctions can lead to wasted components and increased costs.
Is Reloading .308 Winchester Right for You?
Reloading can be a cost-effective and fulfilling hobby, but it requires time, effort, and an initial investment. If you shoot frequently, the savings can be substantial over time. Weigh the upfront costs against your shooting volume and the value of your time before deciding. Safety is paramount, so always prioritize proper training and technique.
